Irfan Pathan’s Bold Take: Was Rohit Sharma Saved By His Captaincy?
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan didn’t hold back when weighing in on Rohit Sharma’s recent struggles. In candid remarks, Pathan made a striking observation: Had Rohit not been leading the side, his form in Test cricket last year might not have earned him a spot in the playing XI.
A Tough Run with the Bat
Rohit’s numbers in 2024 were far from impressive—just 164 runs across eight Tests and a paltry tour average of 6.20 in Australia. Pathan argued that, based purely on these numbers, a selector prioritizing form would likely have left him out. The only thing tipping the scales in Rohit’s favor? His captaincy badge.
Backing While Being Critical
Pathan also reflected on the broadcaster-player dynamics during post-match interviews. He revealed how praise is often tempered with politeness—especially when emphasizing a guest’s struggles. He admitted that the support shown on air was partially driven by courtesy. Behind the scenes, though, opinions remained clear: “If he wasn’t the captain, he would have been dropped.”
What It Means for Indian Cricket
Captaincy as a Protector: It’s a rare reminder of the powerful role leadership can play—even when performance dips.
Media and Messaging: Pathan’s remnants highlight how public commentary may soft-pedal hard truths to balance respect with scrutiny.
Selection vs Sentiment: His comments reinvigorate the debate about selection criteria—should form outweigh status?
Humanizing the Debate
This isn’t a dig—it’s a call for transparency. Pathan’s message has a human touch: players—even legends—have low phases. What matters is how these lows are handled by the player, the team management, and media alike. His view invites us to reflect rather than react.
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